Easter - Day 05
Day 05 - Friday, March 29
Read Luke 22:7-23
Highlight
Jesus and his disciples would have been participating in the Festival of Unleavened Bread and Passover for their whole lives. The ritual, steps and order of events would be well worn and familiar to them. In fact, at this time in Jesus’ ministry, they would have at least celebrated together once if not twice. Therefore, they knew what to expect - or they thought they did, because all of a sudden Jesus goes off script.
When taking the bread, Jesus “gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you’” (v. 19). This is a prophecy of what is about to happen. Jesus’ body will be “broken” - killed - for his disciples and all people. Then when He takes one of the cups - traditionally there are four cups - and proclaims “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (v. 20). Jesus is stating there is to be a “new covenant.” The original covenant He is referring to is the Covenant between God and the people of Israel that was established at Mount Sinai in Exodus 24, which was often referred to as “blood of the covenant.” Now Jesus is proclaiming a new covenant will be established in His blood for all people. There will be no need for more animal sacrifices - His final sacrifice will be sufficient.
The taking of the bread and the cup has become what we participate in each Sunday known as the “Lord’s Supper.” It is where we take a moment to remember the sacrifice of Jesus - where His body and blood was broken and poured out for our sins. Just as the Nation of Israel was to remember the Lord’s deliverance out of Egypt with the Passover Festival each year. Each time we gather as the body of Christ, we are to partake and remember that Jesus’ has delivered us from the eternal consequences of death.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Luke 22:7-23
Highlight
Jesus and his disciples would have been participating in the Festival of Unleavened Bread and Passover for their whole lives. The ritual, steps and order of events would be well worn and familiar to them. In fact, at this time in Jesus’ ministry, they would have at least celebrated together once if not twice. Therefore, they knew what to expect - or they thought they did, because all of a sudden Jesus goes off script.
When taking the bread, Jesus “gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you’” (v. 19). This is a prophecy of what is about to happen. Jesus’ body will be “broken” - killed - for his disciples and all people. Then when He takes one of the cups - traditionally there are four cups - and proclaims “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (v. 20). Jesus is stating there is to be a “new covenant.” The original covenant He is referring to is the Covenant between God and the people of Israel that was established at Mount Sinai in Exodus 24, which was often referred to as “blood of the covenant.” Now Jesus is proclaiming a new covenant will be established in His blood for all people. There will be no need for more animal sacrifices - His final sacrifice will be sufficient.
The taking of the bread and the cup has become what we participate in each Sunday known as the “Lord’s Supper.” It is where we take a moment to remember the sacrifice of Jesus - where His body and blood was broken and poured out for our sins. Just as the Nation of Israel was to remember the Lord’s deliverance out of Egypt with the Passover Festival each year. Each time we gather as the body of Christ, we are to partake and remember that Jesus’ has delivered us from the eternal consequences of death.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Posted in Easter 2024